Ireland Catch Up: Zebo Wary Of Welsh

Catching up with Munster and Ireland winger Simon Zebo as the national side continues preparations for next weekend’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales.

With three wins from three – against Italy, France and England – Ireland currently top the 2015 6 Nations standings on 6 points, 2 points clear of their opponents next Saturday afternoon.

The Welsh for their part suffered an opening round defeat at home to England, but since then have bounced back well with two hard fought wins away to Scotland and France putting them firmly back in title contention.

As the Welsh juggernaut gathers momentum with each game, Zebo remains wary of its threat, especially as Warren Gatland’s side chase their first home win of the current campaign.

"Going over to their home in this tournament where they have already lost (to England) is going to be a tough task because they are not going to want to lose again. We're going to have to perform to the best of our ability to win.

"Wales looked good [against France]. They are a very good side. They have proven it. They won the Championship a number of times. They're dangerous and have got dangerous backs. We just have to nullify them if we are going to come out on the better end of the scoreboard.”

Earlier this season, Ireland’s Munster representatives witnessed first-hand the potency of the Welsh half-back partnership as both Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar played a central role in the province’s second home defeat of the season – losing 14-19 to Ospreys in Round 4 of the Guinness PRO12.

The in-form Welsh duo combined with the hosts’ ability to mix up their game will present the Corkman and his Ireland team mates with a series of challenges across the Millennium Stadium turf.

"Wales got momentum in crucial parts of the [France] game. Dan Biggar's try proved vital. It's pretty hard to come back from that. It was probably 50-50 up until then. Two dangerous players, Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb, causing trouble. They are two players we will definitely have to shut down.

“If you think they are going to go direct, they will ship it out the back to Liam Williams or George North who have serious feet as well as power. You can't set anything in stone and predict they are going to be really direct against us. We are going to have to be prepared for anything.

"They are a deadly side. They can beat anyone. We know how tough the task is going to be and we know how dangerous they are. We will just have to rest the bodies after a tough encounter against England and hopefully be raring to go from minute one, next week."

In Ireland's last eight games, Zebo has only failed to complete 80 minutes once, playing for just over an hour against Georgia in November where he also scored his fourth Test try. Although attacking opportunities have not been as bountiful in recent games, Zebo has acquitted himself well in other areas, notably in defence and under the high ball, while his turnover tackle on Anthony Watson proved crucial in the lead up to Robbie Henshaw's try against England.

"I try as much as possible [to get more ball]. If the game is going that way where I can get in a little bit then I will, but the games just haven't gone that way. There is only so much that you can do. You've got to hold your width and got to help the team basically. You can't be just being too selfish and coming in for no reason.

"If Wales decide to open up the game and throw it around, I might get a few more touches. But the way things are going I'm pretty happy regardless of getting limited ball. It's all about winning and we are doing that so far. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going."

The Ireland squad's open training session at Kingspan Stadium yesterday brought a two-day camp to an end, with the players now enjoying some down time before returning to camp on Sunday night.